Th Role of Reading

Extensive Reading - a Valuable Language Learning Opportunity http://english.unitecnology.ac.nz/esolonline/teachers/prof_read/jeanette_grundy/home_e.php Jeanette Grundy ABSTRACT This report explores the language learning opportunities provided by Extensive Reading (ER) for ESOL students. It includes a literature review which is very positive about the role such an approach can play in both improving reading skills and developing learner language. It explores how extensive reading contributes to language proficiency particularly in the areas of vocabulary growth, knowledge of grammar and text structures, and writing. In addition, it reports on an investigation into student attitudes to ER and explores some of the implications this has for teachers in implementing effective programmes for ESOL students. BACKGROUND AND LITERATURE REVIEW Researchers of extensive reading programmes are very positive about the role such an approach can play in both improving reading skills and developing learner language. It has long been claimed that 'we learn to read by reading' and teachers in New Zealand schools are well aware of the importance of wide reading in the language development of their students. Researchers also claim a significant role for reading in the learning of a second language. Nuttall (1996, p.128) states, "The best way to improve your knowledge of a foreign language is to go and live among its speakers. The next best way is to read extensively in it." Day and Bamford (1998, p.34) present a summary of the results of research into twelve extensive reading programmes. These represent both ESL and EFL situations, are from a range of countries and are across all levels from primary to university, adolescent to adult. They are overwhelmingly positive about extensive reading and report gains in all language skills but particularly reading and writing proficiency, gains in vocabulary, although these were not statistically significant in all cases, and also gains in